Russian gas transit through Ukraine has ended after a five-year deal expired. This marks the end of decades of supply to EU states via this route. The European Commission says most EU states are prepared, but countries like Moldova are facing shortages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of profiting from war. Poland’s government called the stoppage a victory against Moscow. Despite this, Russia still sends gas to Hungary, Turkey, and Serbia through the TurkStream pipeline.
Strategic Impacts on Europe
Gazprom confirmed the halt to EU-bound gas via Ukraine as of Wednesday. Since 1991, Ukraine has been a key transit route. While the immediate effects are manageable, the change has significant symbolic and strategic consequences. Russia has lost an important market, but President Vladimir Putin claims EU nations will suffer more.
EU gas imports from Russia dropped to under 10% in 2023, down from 40% in 2021. Some eastern EU countries, such as Slovakia and Austria, remain dependent on Russian supplies. Austria, however, has diversified its sources and expects no disruptions.
Slovakia, now the main entry point for Russian gas into the EU, faces rising costs and tensions. Its energy regulator announced price hikes for consumers in 2025. Prime Minister Robert Fico warned of “drastic” consequences for Europe while threatening to cut electricity exports to Ukraine, escalating regional tensions.
Moldova and Broader Effects
Moldova, heavily reliant on Russian gas for electricity, is already feeling the impact. Russian company Gazprom restricted supplies, accusing Moldova of unpaid debts, which Moldova denies. The lack of gas has left the Transnistria region without heat during freezing temperatures.
Moldovan leaders accuse Russia of using energy as a weapon to destabilize the region. President Maia Sandu said the Kremlin’s actions could influence the 2025 elections. Moldova has declared a 60-day energy emergency and is urging citizens to save energy.
Meanwhile, the EU is increasing imports of liquefied natural gas from the US and Qatar and piped gas from Norway. These efforts aim to replace Russian gas and stabilize Europe’s energy market.
